Pool Barriers: Jurupa Valley vs Riverside

Do I need a pool fence around my above-ground pool?

Yes if the water depth exceeds 18 inches. The California Swimming Pool Safety Act and JVMC Ch. 8.25 treat above-ground pools the same as in-ground pools for barrier purposes. The structure of an above-ground pool can serve as the barrier only if it meets the 60-inch height, climb-resistance, and opening criteria of H&S Code §115923.

I already have a pool — do the SB 442 two-feature rules apply to me?

Existing pools built before Jan 1, 2018 are not retroactively required to add features, but any REMODELED pool that requires a building permit must meet the current two-feature requirement. Sale of a single-family home with a pool also triggers a home-inspector disclosure under H&S Code §115925.

How tall does a pool fence have to be in Riverside?

At least 60 inches (5 feet) per California Health & Safety Code Section 115923, measured from the side facing away from the pool. The gap from ground to the bottom of the barrier may not exceed 2 inches, and the barrier may not have gaps that would allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through.

Do I really need a separate pool fence if I have a backyard fence?

If the backyard fence meets the HSC Section 115923 standards (60-inch height, 2-inch ground clearance, self-closing/self-latching gate at 60 inches, 4-inch sphere test, no climbable features), it can serve as one of the two required safety features. But the wall of the house itself does not count as an enclosure unless the doors facing the pool have self-closing/self-latching devices.

What are the two safety features required by SB 442?

Per California HSC Section 115922, new or remodeled pools must have at least two of seven features: (1) a compliant enclosure, (2) ASTM F2286 removable mesh fencing, (3) an ASTM F1346 safety cover, (4) door/window exit alarms, (5) self-closing/self-latching devices on doors to the pool (release at 54+ inches), (6) a pool alarm, or (7) other equivalent independently verified means.